In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia’s federal government has effectively closed the international border since 20 March 2020, ever since the emergency period under The Biosecurity Act 2015. The exemptions to travel to Australia are currently available under finite circumstances, such as expository work and Compassionate Cases. The travel restrictions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic have increased precariousness, particularly for those who intend to apply for a visa to enter Australia. To apply for travel exemption while others can access an automatic exemption- here’s an overview about restrictions on entering and travel exemptions on leaving Australia during Covid-19.
Who can apply for the travel exemption application?
The Department of Home Affairs of the Federal Government will only acknowledge an applicant as or primary relative(spouse, dependent child, de facto partner ) or if they’re:
- A noncitizen traveling at the invitation of the Australian Government or territory authority to assist medical services; air ambulance, medical evacuations, or assisting the curb of Covid-19
- A noncitizen with critical skills or working in a critical sector by the Federal Government of Australia
- Military personnel, including which part of the Status of Forces in the national interest, patronized by the Australian government or state, territory authority.
Suppose you are not sure about the documents required to demonstrate your relationship. In that case, it is recommended to contact a registered migration agent to guide you through providing the correct information to obtain a waiver.
a) Temporary visa Holders
If you currently hold the undermentioned visas, you may travel to Australia and will not be required to request an exemption:
- Partner( Subcategory 100,309,801,820) visa holder
- Child (subcategory 101,102,445) visa holder
You must be eligible to hold a valid visa to travel to Australia, so before you apply for a visa to Australia, before request an application to Australia exemption to travel.
b) Compelling circumstances
If you do not fall within any of the above categories, you may still qualify to travel to Australia assessed on a case by case basis. You will need to exhibit beyond your control and present a strong need to travel to Australia. In order to understand more about the intricacies of the travel exemption, it is advised to consult a migration agent for advice on your eligibility under the required threshold to attain this waiver.
On average, an applicant successfully receives a waiver on the current travel ban within seven days of making the application.
On 17 July 2020, the process of applying for an exemption from Australia’s travel restriction transitioned to a new, online service portfolio regulated by the Department of Home Affairs. Tracking the application’s progress and easy user interface for supporting documents and linking groups of family member requests.
